The number of job advertisements rose for the first time since April 2008, the latest sign that the Australian economy is emerging from its shallow downturn. The total number of jobs advertised increased 4.1 per cent in August to an average of 130,326 per week, according to the ANZ Bank’s monthly survey. (Business Day)

Use of the Federal Government guarantee to underwrite debt raisings by major banks and financial institutions in Australian credit markets is declining as credit spreads improve and investor confidence returns. (Sydney Morning Herald )

The $24bn general insurance market is emerging as the hot new battlefield for retail and consumer companies leveraging their brand and vast distribution networks to sell someone else’s insurance. If it works, the attack will trigger a price war between incumbent insurers IAG, Suncorp and Allianz, as they fight to preserve their market share. (The Australian)

An independent expert has found Macquarie Airports’ planned $345m payment to its parent Macquarie Group to internalise its management to be ”fair and reasonable” with the payment coming in at about mid-range of valuations for the rights. (The Age)